Architect v Engineer for Project Management

RMC10

Hi all,

I'm hoping those with more expertise might answer a few questions for me.

I'm at the planning permission stage of a build but have run into difficulties with the architect engaged initially.
I am presently trying to find another architect who will take on the project from here on out (difficult, I know).
I have a firm who can assist us in completing the design and planning but then pass matters to an engineer to finish and manage the build.


Would anyone be able to advise in respect of:


1. Is there any advantage / disadvantage to this scenario? and


2. Would this be more costly as your engaging two professionals rather then one?

Any other comments or pointers welcome!

PMBC

I think it is always more advisable to use one person/company to do it all. In this case, as well, a lot depends on whether this is a domestic or non-domestic development as they have different requirements under Building Control/Building Regulations. Its a bit more complicated than that - before someone takes me up as being inaccurate on this thread - as domestic developments have an 'opt out' for certain elements of Building Control certification. If that is the type of development the disadvantages of 'dual service provider' ids not as bad. However one provider IMHO is best.

PMBC

PMBC wrote: »

I think it is always more advisable to use one person/company to do it all. In this case, as well, a lot depends on whether this is a domestic or non-domestic development as they have different requirements under Building Control/Building Regulations. Its a bit more complicated than that - before someone takes me up as being inaccurate on this thread - as domestic developments have an 'opt out' for certain elements of Building Control certification. If that is the type of development the disadvantages of 'dual service provider' ids not as bad. However one provider IMHO is best.

And using the two would be more costly.

BryanF

Op what do you mean by project management ?

Are you going direct labour and employing a guy to be there daily managing trades?

Or are you referring to design /construction drawings and spec given to a main contractor and then this person turning up on site say fortnightly to review progress and inspect?

Metric Tensor

If it's your own house you will almost certainly take on some of the "management" roles yourself.

I haven't seen many people who having obtained planning permission are happy to walk away and leave it to a professional team and only arrive back to get the keys of a finished house.

Might you be looking for a professional to prepare tender documents and (periodically) inspect the work of your appointed building contractor and assist you in managing your own build. Providing the necessary designs and certification along the way of course.

In a purely construction sense project management is a more in depth role that involves itself with the day to day process of the build. Usually the appointed building contractor does most of this - usually in consultation with the building owner and professionals.

Nothing wrong with either approach but you need to be clear to people you approach about what role you want them to carry out.

RMC10

Hi OP here.

Many thanks for the replies and opinions folks. The project is residential, total refurbishment and extension 3 bed semi.

As per Metric Tensor if I was to go this route I'd be looking for the Engineer to prepare tender documents and periodically inspect the work of the building contractor. Providing the necessary designs and certification along the way of course.

Apologies my terminology is obviously off. BryanF by project management I meant the latter of your explanations. Someone to provide construction drawings, help with tenders and inspecting the work of the main contractor at certain intervals.